Homeownership has long been touted as a sure and steady way to build wealth. Buying a home is a solid investment, because property values will increase over time. Even with the housing bubble in recent years, homeownership is still the best kind of investment for families seeking long-term stability and financial security.
In Portland, there is a stark difference in homeownership rates among white families and communities of color. Although homeownership rates in Portland are over 65%, only 25% of American Indian and Alaska Native community members own their own home. That is why the work of community-based groups like the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA Family Center) is so important in advocating for homeownership opportunities among families of color.
On Saturday, July 28, NAYA Family Center will host its seventh annual "Housing-to-Homeownership Fair" at the NAYA building and grounds, 5135 NE Columbia Blvd. The event is free, and everyone is welcome. Workshops will demystify the process of homebuying, and provide tips on financial readiness, budgeting, and more. The fair offers information and resources available for renters, prospective home buyers, and home owners, with an expanded focus on sustainability in our homes and community. The community fair will be held from 10am to 3pm.
Since 2006, NAYA Family Center has helped over 70 people purchase their own home. One success story is that of Lisa Archuleta, who purchased her home in December 2011 with the support of NAYA Family Center’s homeownership program.
"I was tired of paying rent. I needed a place I could call my own, so my son would have the stability and a safe place called home. This is an investment for us," said Archuleta.
She made the commitment to save money and find the resources and support she would need. Archuleta and her son Miguel moved in with family members to lower the monthly rent; she tracked her spending to figure out where she could cut costs. Archuleta started working with the NAYA Family Center Homeownership program, attending homebuyer education classes and obtaining a matched savings account with NAYA’s Individual Development Account (IDA) program.
NAYA staff helped connect her to other community resources, including local nonprofit Proud Ground. In partnership with NAYA Family Center, Proud Ground was offering a home in the neighborhood Archuleta wanted to be in at a price she could afford. The formerly foreclosed home had been renovated and weatherized by NAYA Construction Services, a construction trades training program. Archuleta was also able to use a down payment assistance grant from her tribe to increase affordability.
Archuleta, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, encourages other Native community members to seek resources such as the Housing to Homeownership Fair. Lisa’s Realtor, Bev Mayorga also supports the Fair’s role in introducing the community to homeownership resources.
“The Homeownership Fair opens a time for Native people’s inclusion to the initial ideas and conceptions of what it really means to be a homeowner. This is a time where an individual discovers that they’re not alone in this dream of homeownership and that NAYA is there to identify, provide and utilize any or all resources to get them to the ‘finish line’ or ‘the keys to their new home.’” Bev Mayorga, a principal broker with Mal & Seitz, is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.
In Portland, there is a stark difference in homeownership rates among white families and communities of color. Although homeownership rates in Portland are over 65%, only 25% of American Indian and Alaska Native community members own their own home. That is why the work of community-based groups like the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA Family Center) is so important in advocating for homeownership opportunities among families of color.
On Saturday, July 28, NAYA Family Center will host its seventh annual "Housing-to-Homeownership Fair" at the NAYA building and grounds, 5135 NE Columbia Blvd. The event is free, and everyone is welcome. Workshops will demystify the process of homebuying, and provide tips on financial readiness, budgeting, and more. The fair offers information and resources available for renters, prospective home buyers, and home owners, with an expanded focus on sustainability in our homes and community. The community fair will be held from 10am to 3pm.
Since 2006, NAYA Family Center has helped over 70 people purchase their own home. One success story is that of Lisa Archuleta, who purchased her home in December 2011 with the support of NAYA Family Center’s homeownership program.
"I was tired of paying rent. I needed a place I could call my own, so my son would have the stability and a safe place called home. This is an investment for us," said Archuleta.
NAYA staff helped connect her to other community resources, including local nonprofit Proud Ground. In partnership with NAYA Family Center, Proud Ground was offering a home in the neighborhood Archuleta wanted to be in at a price she could afford. The formerly foreclosed home had been renovated and weatherized by NAYA Construction Services, a construction trades training program. Archuleta was also able to use a down payment assistance grant from her tribe to increase affordability.
Archuleta, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, encourages other Native community members to seek resources such as the Housing to Homeownership Fair. Lisa’s Realtor, Bev Mayorga also supports the Fair’s role in introducing the community to homeownership resources.
“The Homeownership Fair opens a time for Native people’s inclusion to the initial ideas and conceptions of what it really means to be a homeowner. This is a time where an individual discovers that they’re not alone in this dream of homeownership and that NAYA is there to identify, provide and utilize any or all resources to get them to the ‘finish line’ or ‘the keys to their new home.’” Bev Mayorga, a principal broker with Mal & Seitz, is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.
